Dalana, Apartment 1, Noosa Heads

A cup of coffee in the morning is a thing of beauty. But a cup of coffee in a private tropical courtyard with palms rustling in the ocean breeze, the sun’s warm rays beating down and birdsong in the air is something else altogether. And it’s all yours to enjoy at this modern Noosa Heads apartment. Dalana, as it’s known, is a three-bedroom retreat that optimises its proximity to Hastings St while carving out an oasis of peace and privacy away from its hustle and bustle. And it’s all about embracing coastal charm however you most desire. With a soothing ambience that fast settles the stresses of everyday life, the split-level duplex has been artfully designed and decorated for a sense of serenity.

Beautiful whites, soft neutrals and natural textures create a canvas for intriguing colour, pattern and accents. Understated grey marries with the crispness of maritime stripes and a rainbow of blue moves through its many hues, from the kitchen cabinetry and soft rugs underfoot to beautiful bedlinens. Plants spill from pots, over tables and inside vases, while timber shutters and banks of glass draw in warm and welcome rays of sunshine. The overarching effect is hypnotic.

Allowing for privacy among parties of friends and/or families, the bedrooms are split between the two levels of the property. All have access to furnished outdoor areas, where comfy chairs, tables and more encourage alfresco dining, cocktails or simply good conversation.

The living hub of the apartment unfolds downstairs, with a sheltered kitchen allowing for easy chat and conviviality during meal preparation. Culinary creations – which many home chefs delight in preparing with the freshest of local produce – can be served at the adjacent dining zone, before guests swap their chairs for the comfort of the lounge, oriented around a TV for nights in front of the small screen or a group binge watch of the latest cult show. From here, the open-plan space moves easily through sliding glass doors to the outdoor dining zone – perfect for food served hot off the barbecue. Beyond that lies a fully fenced private pool. It’s a small slice of paradise on the hottest of days when the beach seems that little bit far away.

With such tranquil surrounds, relaxation comes easily. However, a true coastal getaway balances this bliss with a wonderful sense of exploration. And in Noosa Heads, adventure lies around every corner.

Given its location, the buzz and charm of Hastings St lie just a short walk away from the duplex. And the iconic strip lives up to the hype, with a heady mix of retailing and restaurants, from beautiful homewares and fashions that draw the eye to menus curated by the most creative of local chefs. Book in for a meal overlooking Laguna Bay or cut straight to the chase and head for Main Beach, whose golden sands fringe turquoise waters that reach for the horizon. Also close by are the area’s famous surfing breaks, lush national park and everglades, bringing exotic variety to the natural possibilities.

Whatever your tastes and interests, there’s so much to see and do, from sun up to sun down, in the water and on dry land. Jam pack your days, take plenty of photos and luxuriate in a world away from the everyday. But first things first… how about that coffee?